Investing in girls means investing in the state’s future

When Black girls receive support, guidance, and opportunity, their brilliance expands what is possible for all of us. Unfortunately, data from our 2025 State of Black Women in California Report shows that many of our girls are navigating systems where opportunity is unevenly distributed. But in spite of challenges like limited access to advanced coursework and higher rates of family housing and economic instability, they continue to demonstrate exceptional ambition and resilience.

Informed by the realities our girls face, and inspired by the limitless potential they possess, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI), in partnership with Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles (MSMU), created the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute.

When deciding upon a namesake for the program, Supervisor Mitchell immediately came to mind. She has spent decades championing efforts that expand pathways for Black girls in her role as Los Angeles County Supervisor for the county’s 2nd District.

In the words of Supervisor Mitchell, “Black girls deserve every opportunity to lead, dream boldly, and change the world.”

The Institute is more than a curriculum. It is a months-long journey of growth, leadership, network-building and immersive learning. Participants will engage in leadership workshops, entrepreneurship and civic engagement training, college readiness, and mentorship — all designed to expand what is possible when girls lead.

When girls step into leadership, whole communities benefit. Their ideas, voice and vision reshape classrooms, institutions and civic life. Go to the HJM Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute page to learn more and apply to the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute.